Hurricane Matthew Prompts Hazardous Weather Outlook on Seacoast

As Hurricane Matthew makes landfall in Haiti and has potential to do the same in the U.S. later this week, what the storm's impact on New England will be is unclear. But it's appearing more likely that at a minimum, coastal conditions could be very dangerous. Forecasters say it could get worse than that.

The National Weather Service issued a "hazardous weather outlook" at 5 a.m. on Oct. 4, 2016, for coastal Rockingham County as well as parts of Maine stating that the impact will probably begin this weekend for North New England.

"If it does so, the most likely impact will be heavy rain and possibly flooding," according to the alert, "but strong winds are also possible."

A hazardous weather outlook has also been issued in all of Massachusetts except Berkshire County and all of Rhode Island.

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"Even if Matthew tracks offshore, a strong swell moving northward from the storm is likely to impact the southern New England waters and coastline," NECN meteorologist Aaron Perry told Patch. "This would result in a risk for strong rip currents and high surf.

"At the very least, very dangerous beach and boating conditions are expected along most of the East Coast later this week and weekend."

The Weather Channel says there's at least a chance of tropical storm-force winds and heavy rain for the New England coast, with significant wind and rain threats even if the storm stays far offshore, according to The Weather Channel.

Matthew slammed into Les Anglais, Haiti, early Tuesday morning. According to the National Hurricane Center, Matthew remained a strong Category 4 storm with 145 miles-per-hour maximum sustained winds.

The National Hurricane Center anticipates tropical storm or hurricane watches will likely be issued for most of Florida's Atlantic coast at some point on Tuesday. Florida and North Carolina have issued a state of emergency.

"Later today, Matthew is forecasted to pass over the eastern tip of Cuba, followed by a northwestern turn tomorrow into Thursday," Perry said. "Matthew may end up making a close pass to the eastern coast of Florida on Friday, continuing on a northward track towards the Southeastern US into the weekend."

Perry says the East Coast needs to pay attention and be prepared.

"It is never too early to make sure that proper hurricane supplies are stocked and that you are aware of local evacuation plans and routes."

Hurricane Matthew’s formation came during the peak of the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Forecasters at the hurricane center say the eight-week period that begins in mid-August and runs through mid-October is a “season within the season.” This eight-week period “is often the most active and dangerous time for tropical cyclone activity,” NOAA explained on its website.

The eight-week period is historically responsible for major spikes in tropical weather activity, NOAA said. In fact, it accounts for about 78 percent of all tropical storm days on record. It is also the period when 87 percent of the category 1 and 2 hurricane days on record occurred. In addition, this period is responsible for “a whopping 96 percent of the major (category 3, 4 and 5) hurricane days.”

Written by Mike Carraggi/Patch.com.